Apparatus for feeding hosiery onto a receiving member



F. R. SHOAF Sept. 22, 1959 APPARATUS FOR FEEDING HOSIERY ONTO ARECEIVINGMEMBER 4 Sheets$heet 1 Filed Dec'. 12, 1956 INVENTOR, FLOYD R.fiHoAF:

ATTORNEY5 Sept. 22, 1959 v F. R. SHOAF 2,905,366

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING HOSIERYONTOYA RECEIVING MEMBER Filed Dec. 12, 19564 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, FLOYD R. 'SmoAF.

ATTORNEYS 'Sept. 22, 1959 F. R. SHOAF 2,905,366

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING HOSIERY ONTO A RECEIVING MEMBER Filed Dec. 12,1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 22, 1959 F. R. sHoAF APPARATUSFOR FEEDINGHOSIERY ONTO A RECEIVING MEMBER Filed Dec. 12, 1956 r22. b-losuenyEvERTme DE-v\ct:

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 COMPRESSOR INVENTOR, FLOYD R. SHQAF.

F g=13 BY M ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR FEEDING HOSIERY ONTO A RECEIVINGMEMBER Floyd R. Shoaf, Concord, NC.

Application December 12, 1956, Serial No. 627,836

19 Claims. ((31. 223-1) This invention generally relates to the art ofseaming full-fashioned hosiery, everting and inspecting the samefollowing the seam operation and more especially to an apparatus for usebetween the seaming and everting operations.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide an apparatuspositioned adjacent a hosiery seamer and having carrier elements aboutwhich the open end of each successive hose may be easily positioned bythe operator of the hosiery seamer following the seaming of the hose.Upon each successive hose being placed on the carrier elements, thecarrier elements will move astride the end of a hose receiving memberwhich may be the hose support of an everting machine or the end of aninspection board to position the open end of the corresponding hosearound the hose receiving member of the everting machine or the end ofthe inspection board. The carrier elements will then move out of andaway from the open end of the hose previously positioned thereabout andbe automatically returned to the original position adjacent the hosieryseamer preparatory to receiving another hose.

As is well known, full-fashioned hosiery are mos-t commonly made fromextremely fine denier yarn and are extremely delicate and, therefore,must be handled with extreme care at all times during the manufacturethereof to prevent runs and snags in the fabric.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide apparatus ofthe character described which is so constructed and operated as to avoiddamaging the stocking as each successive stocking is positioned on thecarrier elements thereof, as the carrier elements position the stockingon the hose receiving member of the everting or inspecting machine, asthe carrier elements are withdrawn from the open end of the stocking andas they return to their original position.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter described which may be utilized to automatically initiate acycle in the operation of the hose everting machine following each timethe carrier elements are withdrawn from the open end of thecorresponding stocking then positioned on the feed or receiving end ofthe hose receiving member.

It is still another object of this invention to provide means wherebythe hose carrying elements move in an arcuate path from a positionadjacent the hosiery seamer, astride the receiving end of the hosereceiving member of the everting machine or the inspection board, apredetermined distance and are then elevated so that during subsequentmovement of the hose carrying elements back to their original position,they will pass above and free of the hose receiving member of theeverting apparatus or machine. Upon moving forwardly past the front ofthe hose receiving member they are then lowered to their originalposition preparatory to the initiation of a succeeding cycle in theiroperation.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description proceeds when ati ice

2 taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which 7 Figure1 is a top plan view of the improved hosiery feeding or positioningapparatus in association with a hosiery seamer or sewing machine and ahosiery everting apparatus;

Figure 2 is an elevation looking up at the lower side of Figure l withparts broken away; 7

Figure 3 is an enlarged elevation of the structure shown in theright-hand portion of Figure 2, with the upper portions of the sewingmachine or seamer broken away, omitting the cover or shield from thedriving mech: anism disposed below the hosiery feeding apparatus,omitting the basket or container into which the toe of each successivehose or stocking falls as it is seamed and showing the hose carryingelements in inactive or hose receiving position;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary plan view, partially in section, takensubstantially along line 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged elevation, partially in section, takensubstantially along line 55 in Figure 2 and wherein the cover is removedfrom the driving mechanism of the hosiery feeding device;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but being taken looking in theopposite direction from that in which Figure 5 is taken substantiallyalong line 6-6 in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view takensubstantially along line 77 in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view looking at the righthand side of Figure7;

Figure 9 is a somewhat schematic fragmentary plan view showing thehosiery carrying elements after they have moved from the inoperativeposition shown in Figure 1 to a position astride the upper and lowersurfaces of the hose receiving member of the everting apparatus;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevation looking up at the lower side ofFigure 9;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the hose carryingelements at the end of an active stroke thereof;

Figure 12 is a view looking up at the lower side of Figure 11 showing,in particular, the position of the hose carrying elements as they movein a return or inactive stroke;

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the electrical and fluid pressurecircuits of the present invention.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the numeral 20 designates atable or platform (Figures 1, 2 and 3) having a hosiery seamer 21 ofconventional construction mounted thereon. A hosiery everting appaeratus broadly designated at 22 has its forward or hose receiving endposition closely adjacent the table 20 and the sewing machine or hosieryseamer 21. The hosiery everting apparatus is in fact disclosed in myUnited States Patent No. 2,760,697, dated August 28, 1956 and theimproved hose or stocking positioning apparatus broadly designated at 23is positioned between the hosiery seamer 21 and the everting apparatus22. While the everting apparatus 22 is shown and described as being ofthe type shown in my above-noted patent, it is to be understood thatother types, such as those later mentioned, may be used with the hosepositioning apparatus.

The sewing machine or seamer 21 comprises a housing 25 havingconventional mechanism therein, not shown, which is driven by a pulley26 on which a suitably driven endless belt 27 is mounted. The mechanismwithin the housing 25 imparts rotation to a pair of front and rearhose-feeding cups or disks 39 (Figures 2 and 3), to and between whichthe unseamed edges or selvages of fullfashioned hose or stockings S(Figures 9 through 12) are guided by a conventional uncurler or selvageguide generally designated at 31 (Figures 2 and 13). The

3 selvage guide is of the usual type such as is disclosed in mycopending application, Serial Number 546,925, filed November 15, 1955and entitled Stitching Severing Device for Seaming Machine, now US.Patent No. 2,787,231, issued April 2, 1957. Accordingly, a detailedillustration and description of the selvage guide is deemed unnecessary.In fact, the reference is made to the selvage guide 31 only because itis instrumental in initiating operationof the improved hosierypositioning apparatus 23 and operation of the hosiery positioningapparatus could be controlledfrom some other part of the seamer or bymerely actuating a hand operated switch, if desired. The selvage guide31 is pivoted on the housing 21 above the disks or cups 30 and isnormally positioned in spaced relation to the cups 30 while the operatoralines the selvages of the toe, not shown, of each successive stocking-S therewith. Thereafter, the selvage guide 31 is released by manuallyactuating a pair of arms 33 which are best shown in Figure 13. In sodoing, the upper portion of the selvage guide 31 moves above a fixedpivot 34 (Figure 13) so the lower portion thereof occupies a positionclosely adjacent the bight of the feed ing disks 30 and, at the sametime, a switch actuating element or arm 36, fixed on the upper end ofthe selvage guide 31 engages and moves past a switch arm 37 formomentarily actuating a switch 40. Upon being actuated, the switch 40initiates operation of the hosiery positioning apparatus 23 as will belater described. The switch 41? is shown mounted on the overhangingupper portion of the housing 25 of the hosiery seamer 21 in Figures 1and 2.

It will be noted that the edge of the table adjacent the evertingapparatus 22 is provided with an opening 41 beneath which a basket orhose collecting container 42 is positioned, the hose collectingcontainer 42 being suitably secured to the lower surface of the table29. As is well known, as each stockingis seamed, it is fed between thedisks 30, past the usual sewing or seaming instrumentality andprogressively falls, toe first, into the container 42. Heretofore, ithas been customary for the operator of the hosiery seamer 21 to placeeach successively seamed stocking on the table or platform 2i} in loose,extended and untensioned state to form a stack 50, switch means undercontrol of the novel stocking positioning apparatus 23 initiatesoperation of the everting apparatus 22. In this instance, said switchmeans is operative in the manner to be later described to energize anelectric motor 52 (Figures 1 and 2) which, through interveningconnections, drives a pair of endless pliable elements or sprocketchains 53, 54. Said intervening connections include suitable gearingpositioned and disposed within a gear box or housing 55 having meanstherein for driving the sprocket chain 53, which sprocket chain 53extends longitudinally of and disposed within the upper portion of thehose receiving member 50. The gearing in the housing 53 also drives asprocket wheel 56 on which an endless sprocket chain 57 is mounted, saidsprocket chain also being mounted on a sprocket wheel 60 which drivesthe endless sprocket chain 54. The motor 52 and gear housing 55 arefixed on an outer end frame member 61 of a main frame which alsoincludes a horizontally disposed mainframe member or beam 62, one end ofwhich is fixed to the frame member 61 and the other end of which isfixed to an inner end frame member or standard 63.

The sprocket chain 54 is mounted within a track asi sembly 65 andis'connected with a hose donning device 66 having a presser foot 67thereon. The hose donning device 66 occupies substantially the positionshown in Figure 1 when the everting apparatus 22 is at rest and, uponenergization of the electric motor 52, the presser T foot 67 of the hosedonning device 66 moves around the of such stockings which weresubsequently carried to a i hosiery everting apparatus, such as thatindicated at 22, which was then positioned remotely from the sewingmachine or hosiery seamer 21. This has required that a separate operatoroperate the everting apparatus since, in the absence of the presentstocking positioning apparatus 23, it would have been an excessivelytime-consuming and awkward task for the operator of the hosiery s'eamer21 to position each seamed stocking on the everting apparatus 22 with acorresponding sacrifice in the productive capacity of the hosieryseamer2 1. improved stocking positioning apparatus 23 facilitates positioningthe everting apparatus closely adjacent the hosiery seamer 21 andenables the operator of the hosiery seamer 21 to also operate theeverting apparatus 22.

As heretofore stated, the everting apparatus 22 is preferably of a typedisclosed in my Patent No. 2,760,697 and, accordingly, only so much ofthe everting apparatus 22 will be described as is necessary to a clearunderstandingof the present invention.

As disclosed in said patent, the ev'erting apparatus 22 comprises anelongated substantially horizontally disposed hose receiving member orbody 50 made from a tube which is circular in cross-section and whoselower portion is cut away substantially throughout its length to providean opening or groove 51 (Figure 5) in its lower portion through whicheach successive everted hose or stocking may pass. The free end or noseof the hose receiving member 50 is adapted to receive a welt or an openend portion W of each successive stocking S after it has been seamed.

As the welt W of each successive stocking is positioned on the free endor nose of the hose recei-ving member However, the i free front end ofthe track assembly 65 and a cam element 70 then causes the presser foot67 to move downwardly and press the upper portion of the Welt W againstthe curved or convex upper surface of the hose receiving member 50, allof which is fully described in said patent, No. 2,760,697.

The hose donning device 66 then moves from right to left along the trackassembly 65 while the presser foot 67 is in engagement with the welt Wof the corresponding stocking S to thus frictionally draw a stockingonto the receiving member 50.

When the donning device 66 has moved a predetermined distance from rightto left in Figure l, which may be termed as an active stroke thereof,the presser foot 67 is raised out of. engagement with the welt W torelease the stocking therefrom and continues its movement from right toleft in Figure 1 around the rear or left-hand end of the track assembly65' and then moves from left to right to return from the position shownin Figure 1.

At substantially the time the presser foot 67 moves out of engagementwith the welt W of the corresponding stocking S, the free end of a toepunching device or plunger 72 moves into, the free end of the hosereceiving member 50 (Figure 1). Movement of the plunger 72 forces a 1portion of the closed end or toe of the corresponding stockings througha substantially crescent-shaped aperture or opening 73 formed in a capor plate 74 (Figures 1., 2, 5 and 6) fixed on the free end of the hosereceiving member 50.

As the hose donning device 66 starts its movement from the inoperativeposition shown in Figure 1, the sprocket chain 53 initiates an inactiveor forward stroke to a hose dofiing and everting device 75 which isprovided with automatically operable gripping means indicated somewhatschematically at 76' in Figure l. The dofiing device 75 is mounted forlongitudinal movement in the hose receiving member 50 and the then opengripping means 76 thereon is moved towards the cap 74 subsequent to thetoe of the corresponding stocking having been forced through theaperture 73 by the toe punching device 72. The gripping means 76 thenclamps the toe of the corresponding stocking and, thus, the stocking isdrawn through the opening or aperture 73 in the cap 74 by the doflingdevice 75 as it moves from right to left in Figure l in an activestroke. It is apparent that the corresponding stocking is then drawn edthe hose receiving member 50 and evened by the dofiing and evertingdevice 75.

As the hose dofiing a'nd everting device 75 approaches the end of itsactive stroke from right to left inFigures 1 and 2 the grasping orgripping means 76 thereon is automatically rendered inoperative by meansfully disclosed in said Patent No. 2,760,697 to release the toe of thehose therefrom. At this time, the hose will have been completelywithdrawn or dolfed from the hose receiving member 50 and the welt W issubstantially simultaneously drawn through the opening 73 so thestocking is released from the hose everting apparatus in its elongatednatural state and falls, by gravity, through the opening or slot 51 inthe bottom of the hose receiving member 51} into a suitable container,not shown, to form a stack of stockings with repeated cycles in theoperation of the everting apparatus. Of course, as the dofiing andeverting device 75 approaches the positions shown in Figure 1 in thecourse of each active stroke thereof, mechanism is operated to stopfurther movement of the chain. Although a particular type of evertingapparatus has been described herein, it is understood that the presentinvention may be used in association with air operated everting machinesor other types of everting apparatus and may also be used with hosieryinspecting boards or other types of hosiery inspecting devices, since itmay be desirable to position each successive stocking on a hosieryinspection form after the stocking has been seamed.

Now, in order to position the open end or welt of each successive seamedstocking on the nose or free end of the hose receiving member 50 with aminimum of lost motion on the part of the operator or attendant theimproved hosiery or stocking positioning apparatus 23 comprises a pairof superposed substantially symmetrical and complementary lower andupper stocking carrying elements or plates and 101 made from arelatively thin, rigid and smooth material such as metal, fiberboard,plastic or the like. The body of each of the hose carrying plates 10%,101 is relatively narrow and the free end of each is provided with apair of opposed outwardly projecting wing-like portions 162, whichportions are rounded to receive the open end or welt of each hose, afterit is seamed. The operator positions the welt W of the hose about thewing-like portions 102 of the two hose carrying elements or plates 106,101 simultaneously, since the free edges or wing-like portions 102 ofthe hose carrying plates are disposed in close proximity or engage eachother while the hose positioning apparatus 23 is at rest. The welt ofeach successive stocking is placed under relatively light tension as itis positioned over the wing-like projections 102 of the lower and upperplates 100, 101 so that the free end of the welt W of the correspondingstocking will tend to drape over the narrow body of the stockingcarrying plates 161), 1131, thereby preventing the hose from slippingoff the plates unintentionally during operation of the hose positioningapparatus 23 and to also provide a wider mouth at the open end of thehose. Also, to further prevent the stocking from slipping off the plates100 and 101, the upper surface of the plate 161 may be provided with aclamping member 164 thereon which is preferably in the form of arelatively light leaf spring member and the welt of each successivestocking is positioned between the leaf spring member 104 and thecarrying plate 1131 (Figures 9 and 10). i The lower or bottom hosecarrying plate or element 100 is substantially horizontally disposedwhile the upper hose or stocking carrying element or plate 161 extendsupwardly in diverged relation from the free edge of-the plate 100 and isfixed to an angle bracket 105. The angle bracket 105 extends downwardlyto one side of the plate 101 and is pivotally connected, as at 106 to anupstanding post or bar 107 extending upwardly from a medial portion of acarriage or a substantially horizontal arm 110 which extends outwardlyfrom the carrier elements 109, 101 and is fixed on the upper end of ashaft or post 111..

The shaft 111 extends downwardly in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6 and issuitably journaled for rotation in a pair of 6 vertically spacedbearings 113 and 114 fixed to a vertically disposed plate member 115.One edge of the plate 115 is suitably secured to the front edge of asupport plate 116 supported adjacent the rear edge on the frame mem heror standard 63. The shaft 111 is provided with a keyway 120 (Figure 3)in which a key, not shown, integral with a spur gear 121 may havevertical sliding movement along the shaft 111. The gear 121 is thusrotatable with the shaft 111 and is prevented from vertical movement bythe bearings 113 and 114 so that vertical movement may be imparted tothe shaft 111 without causing vertical movement of the gear 121.

The gear 121 is adapted to be engaged by a rack 122 slidable on a thinplate 119 and in a passageway pro vided by spacers 123 and 123a beneaththe bearings 113 and 114 (Figure 5). The free end of the rack 122 isoscillatably connected as at 124 (Figures 3 and 4) to one end of aconnecting link 125, the opposite end of which is connected to a stud126 mounted for radial ad.- justment in a rotatable plate or cam 130.The cam 13%) is rotated to impart reciprocation to the rack 122 and thusreciprocate the gear 121 and the shaft 111, first in one direction andthen in the opposite direction. The cam 130 is fixed on one end of anoutput shaft 131 integral with a 'gear reduction unit 133 mounted on ahorizontally disposed plate 134, the inner edge of which is fixed on theplate 116. An electric motor 136 is also mounted on the plate 134 andhas a motor shaft 146 which is connected to an input shaft 141 of thegear reduction unit 133 and provides power to drive the cam wheel 1130,link and rack 122.

A normally open electric switch 145 is fixed on the plate 115 (Figures3, 6, 7 and 13) and has an actuating roller 146 mounted in one end of alever arm 147 and the roller 146 rides on the outer periphery of the camplate and is adapted to close the switch when the roller 146 engages thehigh portion 130a of the cam plate 130. A roller 151) is disposedadjacent the cam wheel 130 and is mounted for rotation in one end of alever 151 connected to a normally closed electric switch 152 fixed onthe plate 115. The roller is adapted to, at times, be engaged by a pin154, the inner end of which is suitably secured in the side of the camwheel 130. The switch 152 is a normally closed switch and uponengagement of the roller 150 with the pin 154, upon rotation of the camplate 130 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 13, the normallyclosed switch 152 will be opened to break a circuit of the electricalsystem, to be later described.

The shaft 111 is provided with a collar in which one end of an arm 161is fixedly embedded and the free end of which has a bunter 162 fixedthereon. The bunter 162 is adapted to, at times, engage the actuatingplunger and momentarily close a normally open electrical switch 164fixed on the upper surface of the plate 115. The switch 164 is providedto automatically start operation of the everting apparatus 22 and may beused to start operation of any other type of automatic hose handlingmachine, if desired, or may be omitted if a manually operated machine isused following the hose positioning apparatus.

The lower end of the shaft 111 has a piston fixed thereon (Figure 13)which is adapted to be moved vertically by air pressure inside of acylinder 171 which is closed at its upper and lower ends by head members172 and 173 having respective air lines 174 and 175 fixed therein. Theair lines 174 and 175 extend into a control box 176 (Figure 5) whichcontains an air selector valve mechanism 177 (Figure 13). The valvemechanism 177 includes a movable piston 178 having a passageway 180therein and the lower end of the piston 178 is provided with anactuating rod or shaft 181 surrounded by an electrically operablesolenoid coil 182. The piston 178 is normally urged upwardly, in Figure13, by a compression spring 183 surrounding the rod 181 and uponenergization of the solenoid coil 182 the rod 181 and the piss .7 ton178 will be moved downwardly so that the passageway 180 will be moved toprovide a passageway between a compressed air input line 190 and the airline 175. T he air line 190 extends from the valve 177 to a suitablecompressor or source of compressed air shown schematically at 191. Whenthe piston 178 is in the position shown in Figure 13, air will enter theline 190 from the compressor 191, through the passageway 180 in thepiston 187, through the line 174 to force the piston 170 downwardly inthe cylinder 171 and thus lower the shaft 111 and the hose carryingelement 100 to substantially the position shown in Figures 5, 6 and 10.Air pressure beneath the piston 17.0, which had been holding the shaft111 in the raised position can then escape through the line 175 and outof the valve 177 through an escape port 179 which will be open when thepiston 178 is in the up position. Upon energization of the coil 182, bymeans to be later described, the piston 178 will be moved downwardly sothat the passageway 180 lines up between the intake line 190 and theline 175 leading to the lower end of the cylinder 171 and thuscompressed air may enter from the compressor 191, through the pipe 190,passa-geway 180, line 175 and into the cylinder 171 below the piston 170.to thus cause the piston 170 to be raised along with the shaft 111 tosubstantially the position shown in Figures 11 and 12. Air pressureabove the piston 170 can then escape through the line 174 and out of thevalve 177 through an escape port 189 which will be open when the piston.178 is in the lowered position.

An electrical control box 195 (Figure 6) is suitably secured on theplate 116 and contains a solenoid operated switch (Figure 13,) havingasolenoid coil 196 surrounding a core 197 which is suitably secured byconventional means to a pair of normally open switches 200 and 201. Thecoil 196, upon energization in a manner to be later described, willcause the switches 200 and 201 to be moved to the closed position.

The electrical circuit shown in Figure 13 comprises a suitable male plug205 adapted to be connected to any suitable source of electrical energy,not shown, and has a pair of main lead wires 206 and 207 extendingtherefrom. One end of a wire 208 is connected intermediate the ends ofthe wire .206 and the opposite end is connected to one side of theswitch 40. The other side of the switch 40 has one end of an electricalwire 210 connected thereto, the opposite end of which is connected toone side of the solenoid coil 196. One end of an electric wire 212 isconnected .at the juncture of the wire 210 and the solenoid coil 196 andthe other end is connected to one side of the switch 200. An electricwire 214 is connected at one end intermediate the ends of the lead wire206 and. the other end is connected to one side of the switch 152. Anelectric wire 215 is connected at one end to the opposite side of theswitch 152 and the opposite end is connected to the side of the switch152 opposite the side to which the wire 212 is connected. .A wire 217 isconnected at one end to an intermediate .portron of the lead wire 206and the opposite end is connected to one side of the switch 201. Theother side of theswitch 201 has one end of a wire 220 connected thereto,the opposite end is connected to one side of the electric motor 136 andthe other side of the electric motor 136 'has one end .ofanelectric wire222 connected thereto and the opposite .end of which leads to and isconnected intermediate the ends of the lead Wire 207 While one side ofthe solenoid coil 196 is connected intermediate the end of the wire 222.One end of an electric wire 225 is connected to the main lead wire 206and extends to one side of the electric switch 145 and the opposite sideof the switch 145 has one end of a 'wire 226 connected thereto, theopposite end of which leads to one side of the solenoid coil 182. Theopposite :side of the electrical solenoid coil 182 has one end of a wire227 connected thereto, the opposite end of which is connected to themain lead wire 207.

The distal end of the main lead wire 206 has one end of a lead wire .230connected thereto, the opposite end of which extends to the startingcontrol means for the hosiery everting device 22. The distal end of themain lead wire 207 has one end of a wire 231 connected thereto whichleads to one side of the electric switch 164 and the opposite side ofthe electric switch 164 has one end of an electric wire 232 connectedthereto, the opposite end of which is also connected to the electricalcontrol means for the hosiery everting device 22.

Method of operation In operation, the operator seams the hose up theback, normally from toe to top on the seaming machine 21, and hangs theopen top of the hose on the hose positioning apparatus 23 by placing thewelt W beneath the clamping member 104 (Figures 9 and 10) while the hosepositioning apparatus 23 is substantially in the position shown inFigure 1. Thus, the hose is hung on the hose positioning apparatus 23with the toe and part of the leg thereof extending downwardly into thebasket or collecting container 42 preparatory to being placed on thehosiery everting apparatus 22. As the arms 33 (Figtires 2 and 13) aremoved to actuate the uncurler or selvage guide 31 to start the nextsucceeding hose the switch 40 will be momentarily closed to complete thecircuit from the lead wire 206, through the wire 208, switch 40, wire210, coil 196, wire 222 and return to the main lead wire 207. Thus, the.coil 196 will be energized and close the switches 200 and 201 so that acircuit will be completed from the wire 206, through wires 214, switch152, wire 215, switch 200, wire 212, coil 196, wire 222 and return .tothe main lead wire 207 to hold the solenoid 196 and keep the switches200 and 201 closed until this circuit is broken, by means to be laterdescribed. Upon the switch 201 being closed the circuit will be completeto the electric motor 136 from the wire 206, through the wire 217,switch 201, wire 220, motor 136, wire 222 and to the main lead wire 207to thus furnish electrical energy to the motor 136 to rotate the shaft111 and drive the stocking positioning apparatus 23 in acounterclockwise direction in Figure 1.

With rotation of the motor 136, rotation will be imparted to theshaft140 of gear reduction unit 133, shaft 131, and to the cam wheel 130(Figure 3) so that the link will drive the rack 122 from right to leftand cause the hose positioning elements 100 and 101 to be moved fromsubstantially the position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown inFigure 11. Thehose S will be left hanging on the end of the receivingmember 50 of the hosiery everting apparatus 22 as the hose supportingand positioning elements 100 and 101 pass below and above the end of thereceiving member .50 (Figure 9).

During movement of the hose positioning elements 100 and 101, while thehose positioning elements Y100 and 101 are in alowered position orsubstantially in the vertical plane shown in Figure 10, the hunter 162engages the switch 164 to actuate or close the same momentarily and toprovide electrical current to any suitable device such as the hosieryeverting device 22. Upon the switch 164 being closed the electricalcircuit will be completed through the wire 230 connected at one end tothe lead wire 206 and the wire 231, switch 164 and wire 232 to thusstart operation of the hosiery everting device 22 at the proper timeafter the hose S has been left hanging on the hose receiving member 50of the hosiery everting device 22.

As the cam wheel continues to rotate, in a counterclockwise direction inFigure 3, the roller 146 will engage the high part 130a thereon to closethe switch and thus complete the electrical circuit through the wires206, 225, switch 145, wire 226, solenoid coil 182 and wire 227, wire 207so that the solenoid coil 182 will he energized. 'Upon'energization ofthe coil 182 the piston 178 will be "moved from the position shown :inFigure 13 to its lowermost position so that compressed air may enterthrough the line 190, passageway 180 in the piston 178, the line 175 toraise the piston 170 in the cylinder 171 and thus raise the shaft 111and the hosiery positioning elements 100 and 101 to a vertical planeabove the hosiery receiving member 50 of the hosiery everting machine 22as shown in Figure 12.

As the pivot point 126 on the cam plate 130 reaches its maximum stroketo the left in Figure 3, the rack 122 is moved to its furthest left-handposition and with continued counterclockwise rotation of the cam wheel130, the pivot point 126 will move around with the cam wheel 130 andpull the rack 122 from left to right in Figure 3 and cause clockwiserotation of the hose positioning elements 100 and 101 to begin.

As the hosiery positioning elements 100 and 101 complete their movement,in a clockwise direction, from the position shown in Figure 11 tosubstantially the position shown in Figure 1 the roller 146 will moveoff of the high surface 130a of the cam wheel 130 to again open theswitch 145 and break the electrical circuit to the solenoid coil 182.The spring 183 will then push the piston 178 upwardly, to the positionshown in Figure 13, so that compressed air may enter through the line190, passageway 180, line 174 and force the piston 170 downwardly alongwith the shaft 111 to thus lower the hosiery positioning elements 100and 101 to their original vertical plane position as shown in Figure 3.

Also, as the hosiery positioning elements 100 and 101 reach the radialposition shown in Figure 1 the pin 154 will engage the roller 150 tothus momentarily open the switch 152 and break the circuit leading tothe solenoid coil 196 by breaking the electrical connection between theelectric wires 214 and 215. Upon the circuit to the coil 196 beingbroken the switches 200 and 201 will be opened and break the electricalcircuit to the motor 136 and stop operation until the switch 40 is againclosed by an operator actuating the arms 33 to start another hosethrough the seaming machine.

It is thus seen that I have provided a new and useful apparatus forholding and positioning articles such as hosiery, which may haveautomatic operating means for radially moving the hosiery positioningapparatus adjacent the end of a hosiery supporting member which radialmovement will cause the open end of the hose to be caught on the freeend of the hosiery supporting apparatus as well as automatic means forstarting operation of the hosiery supporting and positioning element.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in theclaims.

I claim:

1. A hosiery feeding apparatus comprising a hose positioning element,resilient hosiery gripping means carried by said positioning element,means to impart arcuate movement to said positioning element in twodirections, means operable automatically to move said positioningelement to a first horizontal plane for arcuate movement in onedirection, and means operable automatically to move said positioningelement to a second horizontal plane for arcuate movement in a seconddirection.

2. An apparatus for positioning hose on a hose receiving apparatusfollowing a seaming machine comprising a hose positioning apparatus,gripping means carried by said positioning apparatus, means to impartradial movement to said positioning apparatus along a first horizontalplane, means operable automatically upon completion of the first radialmovement of said positioning apparatus to move said positioningapparatus to a second horizontal plane, and means for moving saidpositioning apparatus in a radial path at said second horizontal plane.

3. An apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on a hose receivingapparatus comprising a hose positioning ap paratus, gripping meanscarried by said psitioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose,means to impart radial movement in a first direction to said positioningapparatus along a first horizontal plane, means operable automaticallyupon completion of the first radial movement of said positioningapparatus to move said positioning apparatus to a second horizontalplane, and means for moving said positioning apparatus in a radial pathin a second direction at said second horizontal plane.

4. An apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on a hose receivingapparatus comprising a hose positioning apparatus, gripping meanscarried by said positioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose,rack and gear means to impart radial movement in forward and rearwarddirections to said positioning apparatus, and pneumatic means forraising and lowering said positioning apparatus to two differenthorizontal planes.

5. .A hose positioning apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on ahose receiving apparatus comprising gripping means carried by saidpositioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose, a shaftsupporting said hose positioning apparatus, rack and gear means toimpart radial movement in two directions to said shaft, and pneumaticmeans operable on said shaft for raising and lowering said shaft andsaid hose positioning apparatus.

6. A hose positioning apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on ahose receiving apparatus comprising gripping means carried by saidpositioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose, a shaftsupporting said hose positioning apparatus, a gear vertically slidableon said shaft and keyed to said shaft, a rack meshing with said gear,means for imparting motion to said rack in two directions, and pneumaticmeans operable on said shaft for raising and lowering said shaft andsaid hose positioning apparatus.

7. A hose positioning apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on ahose receiving apparatus comprising resilient gripping means carried bysaid positioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose, a shaftsupporting said hose positioning apparatus, a gear vertically slidableon said shaft and keyed to said shaft, a rack meshing with said gear, arotatable cam Wheel, linkage connecting the cam wheel and one end of therack, means operable by said cam wheel for stopping rotation of said camwheel, and pneumatic means operable on said shaft for raising andlowering said shaft and said hose positioning apparatus.

8. A hose receiving apparatus comprising a pair of superposed upper andlower stocking carrying elements, resilient gripping means on said upperstocking carrying element, means hingedly connecting said upper andlower stocking carrying elements, a shaft supporting said lower stockingcarrying element, means to impart arcuate movement to said shaft in twodirections, means operable automatically to move said shaft to a firsthorizontal plane for arcuate movement in one direction, and meansoperable automatically to move said shaft to a second horizontal planefor arcuate movement in a second direction.

9. A hose receiving apparatus comprising a pair of superposed upper andlower stocking carrying elements, said lower stocking carrying elementbeing fixed horizontally, said upper stocking carrying element disposedat an angle relative to said lower stocking carrying element, resilientgripping means on said upper stocking carrying element, means hingedlyconnecting said upper and lower stocking carrying elements at one end, ashaft supporting said lower stocking carrying element, means to impartarcuate movement to said shaft in two directions, means operableautomatically to move said shaft to a first horizontal plane for arcuatemovement in one direction, and means operable automatically to move saidshaft to a second horizontal plane for arcuate movement in a seconddirection.

10. A hose receiving apparatus comprising a pair of superposed upper andlower stocking carrying. elements, said lower stocking carrying elementbeing fixed horizontally, said upper stocking carrying element disposedat an angle relative to said lower stocking carrying element, springclip gripping means on said upper stocking carrying element for engagingthe welt of a stocking, one end of said upper and lower stockingcarrying elements hingedly connected and spaced apart from each other,the free end of the upper stocking carrying element normally resting onthe lower stocking carrying element, a shaft sup porting said lowerstocking carrying element, means to impart arcuate movement to saidshaft in two directions, means operable automatically to move said shaftto a first horizontal plane for arcuate movement in one direction, andmeans operable automatically to move said shaft to a second horizontalplane for arcuate movement in a second direction.

11. A hose positioning apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on ahose receiving apparatus comprising resilient gripping means carried bysaid positioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose, a shaftsupporting said hose positioning apparatus, rack and gear means toimpart radial movement in two directions to said shaft, a pneumaticcylinder connected to said shaft, and means operable automatically toraise and lower said shaft and said hose positioning apparatus.

12. A hose positioning apparatus for positioning the welt of a hose on ahose receiving apparatus comprising resilient gripping means carried bysaid positioning apparatus for gripping the welt of a hose, a shaftsupporting said hose positioning apparatus, rack and gear means toimpart radial movement in two directions to said shaft, a pneumaticcylinder connected to said shaft, a piston in said cylinder, pneumaticlines for admitting pressure to either side of said piston andelectrically operable valve means for selectively raising and loweringsaid piston, shaft and hose positioning apparatus.

13. In a structure according to claim .12 wherein the position of thevalve means is controlled by the radial position of the shaft supportingthe hose positioning apparatus.

14. A hose receiving apparatus comprising a pair of superposed upper andlower stocking carrying elements, said lower stocking carrying elementbeing horizontally disposed, said upper stocking carrying elementnormally disposed at an angle relative to said lower stocking carryingelement, spring clip gripping means on said upper stocking carryingelement for engaging the welt of a stocking, one end of said upper andlower stocking carrying elements hingedly connected and spaced apartfrom each other, the free end of the upper stocking carrying elementnormally resting on the lower stocking carrying element, a pair ofwing-like projections on the free ends of both the upper and lowerstocking carrying elements, a shaft supporting said lower stockingcarrying element, a gear vertically slidable on said shaft and. keyed tosaid shaft, a rack meshing with said gear, a rotatable cam wheel,linkage connecting the cam wheel and one end of the rack, means operableby said cam wheel for stopping rotation of said cam wheel, a pneumaticcylinder connected to said shaft, and means operable automatica'lly forraising and lowering said shaft and said hose positioning apparatus.

15. Thecombination with a hosiery receiving apparatus and a hosieryseaming apparatus of a hosiery positioning apparatus: for moving hosieryfrom said seamer to said hosiery receiving apparatus comprising firstand sec- 0nd hose carrying elements, the free ends of said hose carryingelements. spaced closely adjacent each other and the opposite ends ofwhich are spaced apart from each other and hingedly connected, means forimparting radial movement to said first and second hose carryingelements at a first horizontal plane whereby the first and second hosecarrying elements straddle the hosiery receiving apparatus, means forimparting rotation in a second direction to said first and second hosecarrying, elements, and means for raising said first and second hosecarrying elements whereby said first and second. hose carrying elementswill pass. above the hosieryreceiving apparatus when traveling in thesecond direction.

16. A method of handlinghosiery between the seaming operation and theinspection and everting operations which operations are performed onapparatuses in spaced relation to each other comprising the steps ofopening the welt end of a seamed stocking and supporting it inthe open.condition subsequent to the seaming operation, moving the open weltsupported seamed stocking along a direct path of. travel, and depositinginitially the open welt portion of the: stocking on one end of theever-ting apparatus.

17. A method of seaming and handling hosiery between the seaming andeverting operations which comprises the steps of seaming the foot andleg portions. of a stocking, opening the welt end of a seamed stockingand supporting it in the open condition, moving the open supported weltend of. the seamed stocking along a directed path of travel, andimpaling the open. welt. end. of the stocking on a hosiery evertingapparatus.

18. A method of seaming and handling hosiery between the seaming andeverting operations which comprises the steps of seaming the foot andleg portions. of a stocking, opening and supporting the welt end of aseamed stocking in spaced relation to a seaming machine, moving theopen. welt end of a seamed stocking along a prescribed path of travel,presenting the open. welt end of the stocking .to a support, andimpaling said stocking on the support.

19. A method of seaming and handling hosiery between the seaming. andeverting operations which comprises the steps of seaming the foot andleg portions of a stocking, supporting the welt end of the seamedstocking, displacing the supported stocking along a directed path oftravel, and impaling the welt portion of the stocking on a support, andopening the welt end of the stocking as it is impaled on the support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,657,841 Landucci et al Nov. 3, 1953 2,722,348 Ammon Nov. 1, 19552,760,697 Shoaf Aug. 28, 1956 2,787,231 Shoaf Apr. 2, 1957

